KAMPALA — A Ugandan secondary school student has taken an unusual step into national policy advocacy by petitioning lawmakers to create legislation that would financially support community organisations across the country.
The student, Martin Luther Nyanzi, submitted a proposal to the Parliament of Uganda calling for a law that would allow government funding to be channelled to registered community-based organisations and local NGOs.
Nyanzi, who studies at Kisozi High School, says grassroots organisations are essential partners in delivering services that improve livelihoods at the community level.
“These organisations work directly with communities and often reach places where government services are limited,” he said.
Impact of donor funding cuts
The proposal comes at a time when many NGOs have experienced financial difficulties following changes in donor funding.
Nyanzi points to the suspension of programmes supported by the Democratic Governance Facility and reductions in funding from the United States Agency for International Development.
He says these developments have forced several grassroots organisations to scale down operations, affecting communities that depend on their services.
Parliamentary support
The proposal has already attracted attention within Parliament.
Nyanzi recently held discussions with Thomas Tayebwa, while Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola has expressed willingness to table the proposal as a Private Member’s Bill.
However, lawmakers say the idea would require thorough debate to ensure public funding mechanisms remain transparent and sustainable.
Growing media career
Beyond policy advocacy, Nyanzi is also building a career in the media sector.
He founded Block FM, a digital platform aimed at amplifying youth voices.
He currently leads APEX Media Services, which provides digital media services and youth training programmes.
Through The Block Foundation, he also runs initiatives that offer digital literacy training and opportunities for young professionals.
His petition is being viewed by observers as a notable example of youth involvement in shaping public policy and development debates in Uganda.